If you are a postcard writer (or interested in becoming one), see this note from Sarah O'Neill about writing postcards for the Warnock re-election bid:
Tony the Democrat launched postcards for Senator Warnock’s runoff!! So if you want to tell everyone, they can start writing postcards!! If they are new to PostcardsToVoters.org, they can text “Join” to 484-275-2229 or email join@TonyTheDemocrat.org to get started. PTV volunteers handwrote over 2 million postcards for the Ossoff & Warnock 2021 runoff! This time we have one month instead of two, so hopefully people will get writing! I just wrote my first seven.
1. Support the youth vote. take a look at the National Youth Vote Organizations page of the organization What Kids Can Do (WKCD). Pick and organization and run with it. 2. Support neighboring states. Democrats success in Michigan and Pennsylvania will help make Democratic leadership normal for Ohioans. Success in Virginia's 2023 legislative elections will help North Carolina's Democrats succeed in state-wide elections in 2024.
I'm just finishing up with 20 letters to general voters through Vote Forward and soon to begin with 40 postcards to young voters through TheCivicsCenter.org .
Hi, all. I have received an urgent request to help cure ballots in Arizona and Nevada:
Cure Mail Ballots in AZ/GA
This means calling voters with a ballot problem and helping them fix it.
Voters will be very grateful for your help, as you are making sure their votes count. All voters you call are expected to vote Democrat.
All you need is a computer and a phone. You will be very well trained, and guided at any point you need it.
Once you are trained you can call voters any time — not just during the times listed in the links below.
Every ballot cured means that all choices that voter made will be counted. None would, if it weren’t cured. This is vital work.
Your calls may make the difference between election-denier Kari Lake becoming governor of AZ, or Katie Hobbs. Or between Catherine Cortez-Masto keeping her Senate seat in NV (and us keeping control of the Senate), or being replaced by Adam Laxalt.
Here are the links to sign up to cure. Times are for Nevada, Pacific Time, and for Arizona, Mountain Time.
I urge everyone to consider supporting Civic Influencers and the Andrew Goodman Foundation, both of which work with HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) and will be working in Georgia.
Overall, it was a good night for our country. We're still awaiting final tallies on key races and there will be a lot to unpack in the coming days and weeks, but so far results are better than expected.
There will be a runoff in Georgia between Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker - a race that could determine control of the US Senate. So we’re in "go" mode.
Click here to join us for a special briefing on the Georgia Runoff tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10th at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern.
The timeline for this runoff has been cut in half by the Republican legislature in Georgia so the Democratic programs need to hit the ground running to maximize votes for the December 6th election.
We’ll share our recommendations for the most cost-effective programs for the runoff (programs that can together produce more votes than Ossoff’s 2020 margin). These groups need commitments quickly in order to maximize their impact.
Please click here or at the link below to register for our event TOMORROW Thursday at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern.
If you would like to write postcards to voters in Georgia in support of the runoff, please go to www.grandmothersforabrighterfuture.org and click on the link that will allow you to sign up with us. We send you a template, directions and a list of voters. We ask you to use the template to have postcards printed on canary yellow card stock, and using our instructions to hand address cards to women over the age of 65 who are registered as Democrats or Independents, and to include a brief message of your own. We find postcards to be an effective way to reach voters with a message that they will read. I hope you will join us. Alice M. Pierce
Before I comment, I would note that I heard from a handful of sources, that while Tim Ryan lost his bid for the Senate, his candidacy greatly contributed to 3 congressional wins in the state.
That said, based on some exchanges over the past 24 hours, I have sensed a good deal of dismay regarding the amount of gerrymandering that diluted far too many votes nationwide. Frankly, in the larger sense, if there is gerrymandering anywhere, every vote cast nationwide is diminished to some degree, a breach we’re not likely to remedy until we elect enough Democrats, particularly at the federal level, to pass federal voter protection safeguards that would supersede state law in conflict with any of its provisions.
The foregoing notwithstanding, for the past 24 hours, I have become increasingly convinced of the import of building on the outcomes of the 22 midterm election that, in my view, include a renewed definition of ourselves as citizens—something closer to the nation of active stakeholders that leaders like Thomas Jefferson had in mind.
Quoting a fellow subscriber, albeit it in an entirely different context, “We can’t take our foot off the gas pedal on this one.”
In 2024, every state that does not already have an anti-gerrymandering provision in its constitution should have one on the ballot. Such a proposal will pass in almost all—perhaps even all—states. And the Extreme Court will not be able to strike such clauses. I’m going to work on this now. If you know of people or groups working on this already, or would like to be involved, I invite you to write to me at jjmargolis@yahoo.com.
Jon, Thank you for writing. I might contact you once I have completed work on two front-burner issues: 1) the Georgia runoff and 2) legislative clean-up and structural priorities for the so-called “lame duck” session. Regarding the latter, while we still control both chambers, I intend to press the Senate (a) to complete its reform of the Electoral Count Act and (b) to use reconciliation to prophylactically raise the debt ceiling, thereby preventing Republicans, should they control the House, from threatening to default on the debt as pretext for extracting concessions on protections, including Social Security, Medicare, Veterans benefits, and more.
Bill, I will read the piece (thanks for the link) when I return home this evening. Still, in my view, the remedy rests with independent commissions taking charge of creating districts that mirror the demographics.
@DW, While you’re right, I believe these actions primarily were defensive. Recall that last January, had Manchin and Sinema not joined the 50 Republicans, who filibustered the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, that legislation, which assigned redistricting to independent commissions, would have moved to the floor for debate and an up or down majority vote.
Because courts often make decisions that are wrong. I do not know the grounds for the Florida Supreme Court's decision, but I also do not know whether it approved the gerrymandered districts only for this election, or also going forward.
Thank you, Robert, for acknowledging that the anger over the Dobbs decision and the loss of "reproductive liberty fueled the Democrats' surprising victories". The media and pollsters kept labeling the issue as simply abortion rather then recognizing the much larger issue of fundamental rights being taken away by a Republican spawned Extreme Court. The efforts behind the wins in this election is giving me great hope that the 2024 election will firmly make the Senate once again or perhaps for the first time a democratic institution capable of putting teeth in the impeachment process and removing Injustices Alito and Thomas from the Court through impeachment. It is heart-warming to sense the majority of American citizens believe in democracy and will support President Biden in his goal of reuniting the country. We, the People, all of us this time!
Cathy, your focus on the loss of fundamental rights being taken away from women reminds me of the rebellion currently being waged in Iran, largely by women.
The two certainly have the same roots in patriarchy and the subservience of women. The three religions of the Book - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - all codify patriarchy. At least under Jewish law, the existing human's life, the mother's life, does have priority over the potential life, the fetus. A major reason why I can not accept the originalists' interpretation of the Constitution is women not having the rights of full citizenship in Colonial times and not even today.
On the issue of fundamental rights being taken away, the Republicans have announced at various times, sometimes purposefully, sometimes by accident, how they hope to lead this country down the garden path to oligarchy and autocracy. I am hopeful, because of their underwhelming wins and the position of various trifecta Democratic wins, that Republicans will continue to show their true game plans, and that, little-by-little, many of their now supporters will start to get the picture -- just as they did on the abortion issue.
To show you how nonsensical it is, I saw an interview with an elderly Republican couple who complained about how much damage the Democrats are doing to their pocketbooks while showing no understanding of the Republican leaders' desires to cut Social Security and Medicare, and how THAT will affect their monthly budget.
Although it felt great when Biden was elected, the aftermath to that has caused more than a little angst and emotional exhaustion. Now I don't know what the future holds, but I haven't felt more hopeful about the future since sometime prior to 2016. No matter what happens, the young people are the future, and we should be grateful that that they are so aware of the power of their collective voice. We need to do everything we can to support the foundation that's being laid down. The future really is bright!
So true, Denise, and I would add that the future they are fighting for includes an end to gun violence, addressing climate change, and a country that embraces and celebrates diversity, allowing us to be our best selves. They will learn that governing is complicated and change is slow, but at least they want to move us in a better direction, and are showing us that they have the numbers and the commitment to do so.
Someone pointed out that there's another half of Gen Z still to become old enough to vote!
Something I learned being around young people is that just because they are quiet doesn't mean they are not doing something. Another thing is to ask them how they are doing. Just taking time with them even quietly is helpful. Though elders understand loss is part of change, young people don't often and they need to be free to discuss it.
I saw a picture of Stacey Abrams in the newpaper and her tears said it all. She has worked tirelessly, doing the heavy lifting and it may be that there are other future plans for her but in the meantime I am going to wish her my best.
Depth takes time, I have learned this in real time. Patience is an everyday virtue which I hate. Have to do it though.
I can’t tell you how many articles I’ve read and listen to these past few days talking about surprising democratic victories that begin by saying “despite Joe Biden‘s underwater-historically-low approval rating numbers democrats had a surprising number of wins…”
The premise here is that Joe’s low approval rating has been accepted as a given. But what if it’s not? And please enlighten me if I’ve missed something here… There’s been so much talk of distrust in the polls, “don’t listen to the polls, the polls are designed to keep you glued to the news , keep you anxious, blah blah blah.”
What are the sources that suggest Biden‘s approval rating is so low? Are they the same pollsters that are putting out the unreliable polls? How is Biden‘s approval rating really being quantified?
So maybe the big mystery is not how the Democrats do so well when Biden’s approval rating is so low. Maybe Biden’s approval rating is actually pretty damn good !
I don’t know about anybody else in this group but I have never ever received a single phone call or an email from a pollster, So my opinion as a Democrat has never actually been counted.
I would love to know your thoughts on this, and also where are those numbers about Biden actually coming from?
Joe Biden's favorability ratings are a proxy for how people feel about the economy. If inflation was low, Biden would be popular. But presidents have little to no control over inflation. But that doesn't stop people from blaming the president for inflation.
Also, 90% of the media is controlled by conservative business interests. The other 10% is not, but insists on busting Biden at every opportunity--because they think that is what passes for journalism. It is not.
Let's say a "poll" records a 42% "approval rating" for President Biden. How does the 58% break down? It certainly doesn't mean 58% would vote for whackadoodle GQP election deniers, right?
In fact a big chunk of that 58% are "Progressives" who wish he had done more - but would probably support the Democratic cause when push comes to shove - in a voting booth.
The polls are too simplistic and don't reflect the complexity of our political landscape.
I would vote for a younger more charismatic Democrat in the 2024 Presidential primary. But if Joe Biden is the candidate again in the general election, I would walk over broken glass to vote for him. So am I in the 42% or the 58% ???
Thanks Bill- way to break it down. It’s all about who they contact and how they framed the questions.
I’m just very frustrated that the low polling numbers seem to be taken as a given by reporters and writers all over the political spectrum. I just think that number deserves a lot more skepticism, investigation and inspection.
I can’t help but wonder who they call period. Who answers a phone number that you don’t know, NOBODY that I know. All our elders are clear: do not answer a number you don’t know. I don’t want to hear some computer generated voice telling me that they are the IRS and I’m going to jail. People just don’t answer anymore so Im seriously questioning who these polls are calling. (It’s not lost on me that people do answer but really , how many)
I guess the media forgot that although Biden's approval rating at the midterm was 41.8, Trump's approval rating at his midterm was only one point higher -- 42.8. Ah, how soon we forget!
“There is no rational explanation for that outcome. There is, of course, an irrational explanation, and Democrats must discover that explanation ASAP”
One is the huge influx of wealthy northerners that have retired to Florida. You could see it in the large flotilla in support of tfg last year, scooting around their gated communities in golf carts.
The so-called Latino vote is really an anti-Castro vote, plain and simple. Cuban-Americans do not nearly resemble (socially or politically) their poorer neighbors.
When I lived in New York City, Cubans were horrified to be confused with Puerto Ricans, whom they considered lower than they were.
'If you know a young voter, please thank them.' My daughter on the west coast was with her old college friends at the east coast to get out their votes and hold a little election celebration. It is with great joy that we watch these strong young women being independent and engaged. And yes, the greatest heroes are in states like Texas where conditions are so hard. Thanks for everything.
Thank you for acknowledging those of us in Florida who did all we could to oust the mean-spirited thin-skinned guy and Rubio. I have seriously considered moving to a more democracy-friendly place. However, I am here where my efforts and votes can make a real difference. Thanks Robert for your constant can-do-don’t- give-up boost. I am sitting here without power thanks to Hurricane Nicole - ah but I am not powerless! Onward…..
Thank you for your shout-out to those of us in TX, FL, ... Some may just shoo us away (which I'm tempted to do myself) but these are huge states with a large # of people who are fighting the good fight, etc. And though I can't speak for FL, TX is ranked #1 in difficulty registering and voting. Of course this is intentional. I've spent months on the UT Dallas campus this year--no sadder stories than in the last few weeks, when students discovered 1) they have to re-register here if out of state (where is the information gap here?), 2) they can't register online (only one of 6 states that can't), 3) they have to have registered 30 days in advance of the election--yes, 30, and 4) a student ID won't cut it at the polls (other options but you get the drift--more obstacles). Robert, I'm going to look at the young people sources in your post and see where I can plug in.
And last point--like many, I've also invested time and money in races NOT in Texas, particularly battleground states. So it's an interesting juggle--we can't give up on TX and must work hard, but we also are called on as Americans to focus on battleground states with the goal of being one ourselves soon.
If you are a postcard writer (or interested in becoming one), see this note from Sarah O'Neill about writing postcards for the Warnock re-election bid:
Tony the Democrat launched postcards for Senator Warnock’s runoff!! So if you want to tell everyone, they can start writing postcards!! If they are new to PostcardsToVoters.org, they can text “Join” to 484-275-2229 or email join@TonyTheDemocrat.org to get started. PTV volunteers handwrote over 2 million postcards for the Ossoff & Warnock 2021 runoff! This time we have one month instead of two, so hopefully people will get writing! I just wrote my first seven.
I’ve got my leftover cards and stamps already to go! Just waiting for a list
The list is up at PostcardstoVoters.org. See info above.
Thanks. I already requested a list, via TonytheDemocrat. Just waiting to get it
I am here for writing postcards until my fingers fall off! We have got to keep Warnock in the Senate! Thanks for posting this link!
Already on it. Thanks Robert and Sarah!
1. Support the youth vote. take a look at the National Youth Vote Organizations page of the organization What Kids Can Do (WKCD). Pick and organization and run with it. 2. Support neighboring states. Democrats success in Michigan and Pennsylvania will help make Democratic leadership normal for Ohioans. Success in Virginia's 2023 legislative elections will help North Carolina's Democrats succeed in state-wide elections in 2024.
Pinning to the top.
I'm just finishing up with 20 letters to general voters through Vote Forward and soon to begin with 40 postcards to young voters through TheCivicsCenter.org .
Hi, all. I have received an urgent request to help cure ballots in Arizona and Nevada:
Cure Mail Ballots in AZ/GA
This means calling voters with a ballot problem and helping them fix it.
Voters will be very grateful for your help, as you are making sure their votes count. All voters you call are expected to vote Democrat.
All you need is a computer and a phone. You will be very well trained, and guided at any point you need it.
Once you are trained you can call voters any time — not just during the times listed in the links below.
Every ballot cured means that all choices that voter made will be counted. None would, if it weren’t cured. This is vital work.
Your calls may make the difference between election-denier Kari Lake becoming governor of AZ, or Katie Hobbs. Or between Catherine Cortez-Masto keeping her Senate seat in NV (and us keeping control of the Senate), or being replaced by Adam Laxalt.
Here are the links to sign up to cure. Times are for Nevada, Pacific Time, and for Arizona, Mountain Time.
AZ training and calling – deadline in November 16 https://www.mobilize.us/missionforaz/event/542942/
NV training and calling – deadline is November 14
https://www.mobilize.us/demvictorynv/event/542812/
I urge everyone to consider supporting Civic Influencers and the Andrew Goodman Foundation, both of which work with HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) and will be working in Georgia.
Check in tonight!!
Hi All,
Overall, it was a good night for our country. We're still awaiting final tallies on key races and there will be a lot to unpack in the coming days and weeks, but so far results are better than expected.
There will be a runoff in Georgia between Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker - a race that could determine control of the US Senate. So we’re in "go" mode.
Click here to join us for a special briefing on the Georgia Runoff tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10th at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern.
The timeline for this runoff has been cut in half by the Republican legislature in Georgia so the Democratic programs need to hit the ground running to maximize votes for the December 6th election.
We’ll share our recommendations for the most cost-effective programs for the runoff (programs that can together produce more votes than Ossoff’s 2020 margin). These groups need commitments quickly in order to maximize their impact.
Please click here or at the link below to register for our event TOMORROW Thursday at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern.
https://tinyurl.com/F4DNov10
Aaron
and the whole F4D team.
P.S. Please invite your friends and networks!
A postcarding experience targeting women over 65:
If you would like to write postcards to voters in Georgia in support of the runoff, please go to www.grandmothersforabrighterfuture.org and click on the link that will allow you to sign up with us. We send you a template, directions and a list of voters. We ask you to use the template to have postcards printed on canary yellow card stock, and using our instructions to hand address cards to women over the age of 65 who are registered as Democrats or Independents, and to include a brief message of your own. We find postcards to be an effective way to reach voters with a message that they will read. I hope you will join us. Alice M. Pierce
Your optimism is greatly appreciated. How do I phone bank for Warnock?
Hi Jill,
Here's a link for GA and NV, two crucial tipping points
Georgia Ballot Curing
REGISTER here: https://www.mobilize.us/gavotes/event/537437/
Nevada Ballot Curing
REGISTER here: https://www.mobilize.us/demvictorynv/event/491954/
It is incredibly gratifying to cure ballots!!!
Pinning to the top.
For Jilll,
Also, copied and pasted from SURJ --Beginning November 17th onward :
“Join us at this phone bank to invite people in the SURJ network to join us for our 2022 Georgia Runoff Election phone and text banks!”
act.surj.org
Before I comment, I would note that I heard from a handful of sources, that while Tim Ryan lost his bid for the Senate, his candidacy greatly contributed to 3 congressional wins in the state.
That said, based on some exchanges over the past 24 hours, I have sensed a good deal of dismay regarding the amount of gerrymandering that diluted far too many votes nationwide. Frankly, in the larger sense, if there is gerrymandering anywhere, every vote cast nationwide is diminished to some degree, a breach we’re not likely to remedy until we elect enough Democrats, particularly at the federal level, to pass federal voter protection safeguards that would supersede state law in conflict with any of its provisions.
The foregoing notwithstanding, for the past 24 hours, I have become increasingly convinced of the import of building on the outcomes of the 22 midterm election that, in my view, include a renewed definition of ourselves as citizens—something closer to the nation of active stakeholders that leaders like Thomas Jefferson had in mind.
Quoting a fellow subscriber, albeit it in an entirely different context, “We can’t take our foot off the gas pedal on this one.”
In 2024, every state that does not already have an anti-gerrymandering provision in its constitution should have one on the ballot. Such a proposal will pass in almost all—perhaps even all—states. And the Extreme Court will not be able to strike such clauses. I’m going to work on this now. If you know of people or groups working on this already, or would like to be involved, I invite you to write to me at jjmargolis@yahoo.com.
Jon, Thank you for writing. I might contact you once I have completed work on two front-burner issues: 1) the Georgia runoff and 2) legislative clean-up and structural priorities for the so-called “lame duck” session. Regarding the latter, while we still control both chambers, I intend to press the Senate (a) to complete its reform of the Electoral Count Act and (b) to use reconciliation to prophylactically raise the debt ceiling, thereby preventing Republicans, should they control the House, from threatening to default on the debt as pretext for extracting concessions on protections, including Social Security, Medicare, Veterans benefits, and more.
Eric Holder's work may continue...
https://democraticredistricting.com/our-work/
Bill, I will read the piece (thanks for the link) when I return home this evening. Still, in my view, the remedy rests with independent commissions taking charge of creating districts that mirror the demographics.
Simon Rosenberg is giving an NDN Webinar on the election tomorrow Friday Nov. 11 at 1:00 PM https://www.ndn.org
There was gerrymandering in favor of the Democrats in some states also.
@DW, While you’re right, I believe these actions primarily were defensive. Recall that last January, had Manchin and Sinema not joined the 50 Republicans, who filibustered the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, that legislation, which assigned redistricting to independent commissions, would have moved to the floor for debate and an up or down majority vote.
Why was this allowed? https://twitter.com/richardhine/status/1590679664011677696?s=43&t=8gGnSdOPo5iX2_oaf0AxmQ
Because courts often make decisions that are wrong. I do not know the grounds for the Florida Supreme Court's decision, but I also do not know whether it approved the gerrymandered districts only for this election, or also going forward.
Thank you, Robert, for acknowledging that the anger over the Dobbs decision and the loss of "reproductive liberty fueled the Democrats' surprising victories". The media and pollsters kept labeling the issue as simply abortion rather then recognizing the much larger issue of fundamental rights being taken away by a Republican spawned Extreme Court. The efforts behind the wins in this election is giving me great hope that the 2024 election will firmly make the Senate once again or perhaps for the first time a democratic institution capable of putting teeth in the impeachment process and removing Injustices Alito and Thomas from the Court through impeachment. It is heart-warming to sense the majority of American citizens believe in democracy and will support President Biden in his goal of reuniting the country. We, the People, all of us this time!
Cathy, your focus on the loss of fundamental rights being taken away from women reminds me of the rebellion currently being waged in Iran, largely by women.
The two certainly have the same roots in patriarchy and the subservience of women. The three religions of the Book - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - all codify patriarchy. At least under Jewish law, the existing human's life, the mother's life, does have priority over the potential life, the fetus. A major reason why I can not accept the originalists' interpretation of the Constitution is women not having the rights of full citizenship in Colonial times and not even today.
Cathy,
On the issue of fundamental rights being taken away, the Republicans have announced at various times, sometimes purposefully, sometimes by accident, how they hope to lead this country down the garden path to oligarchy and autocracy. I am hopeful, because of their underwhelming wins and the position of various trifecta Democratic wins, that Republicans will continue to show their true game plans, and that, little-by-little, many of their now supporters will start to get the picture -- just as they did on the abortion issue.
To show you how nonsensical it is, I saw an interview with an elderly Republican couple who complained about how much damage the Democrats are doing to their pocketbooks while showing no understanding of the Republican leaders' desires to cut Social Security and Medicare, and how THAT will affect their monthly budget.
Although it felt great when Biden was elected, the aftermath to that has caused more than a little angst and emotional exhaustion. Now I don't know what the future holds, but I haven't felt more hopeful about the future since sometime prior to 2016. No matter what happens, the young people are the future, and we should be grateful that that they are so aware of the power of their collective voice. We need to do everything we can to support the foundation that's being laid down. The future really is bright!
So true, Denise, and I would add that the future they are fighting for includes an end to gun violence, addressing climate change, and a country that embraces and celebrates diversity, allowing us to be our best selves. They will learn that governing is complicated and change is slow, but at least they want to move us in a better direction, and are showing us that they have the numbers and the commitment to do so.
Someone pointed out that there's another half of Gen Z still to become old enough to vote!
Something I learned being around young people is that just because they are quiet doesn't mean they are not doing something. Another thing is to ask them how they are doing. Just taking time with them even quietly is helpful. Though elders understand loss is part of change, young people don't often and they need to be free to discuss it.
I saw a picture of Stacey Abrams in the newpaper and her tears said it all. She has worked tirelessly, doing the heavy lifting and it may be that there are other future plans for her but in the meantime I am going to wish her my best.
Depth takes time, I have learned this in real time. Patience is an everyday virtue which I hate. Have to do it though.
I can’t tell you how many articles I’ve read and listen to these past few days talking about surprising democratic victories that begin by saying “despite Joe Biden‘s underwater-historically-low approval rating numbers democrats had a surprising number of wins…”
The premise here is that Joe’s low approval rating has been accepted as a given. But what if it’s not? And please enlighten me if I’ve missed something here… There’s been so much talk of distrust in the polls, “don’t listen to the polls, the polls are designed to keep you glued to the news , keep you anxious, blah blah blah.”
What are the sources that suggest Biden‘s approval rating is so low? Are they the same pollsters that are putting out the unreliable polls? How is Biden‘s approval rating really being quantified?
So maybe the big mystery is not how the Democrats do so well when Biden’s approval rating is so low. Maybe Biden’s approval rating is actually pretty damn good !
I don’t know about anybody else in this group but I have never ever received a single phone call or an email from a pollster, So my opinion as a Democrat has never actually been counted.
I would love to know your thoughts on this, and also where are those numbers about Biden actually coming from?
Joe Biden's favorability ratings are a proxy for how people feel about the economy. If inflation was low, Biden would be popular. But presidents have little to no control over inflation. But that doesn't stop people from blaming the president for inflation.
Also, 90% of the media is controlled by conservative business interests. The other 10% is not, but insists on busting Biden at every opportunity--because they think that is what passes for journalism. It is not.
Thank you Robert for your insight. So basically polling is just a ruse to control public opinion. I enjoyed this commentary:https://open.substack.com/pub/lyz/p/dingus-of-the-week-polling-data?r=33q4a&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Agreed!
Let's say a "poll" records a 42% "approval rating" for President Biden. How does the 58% break down? It certainly doesn't mean 58% would vote for whackadoodle GQP election deniers, right?
In fact a big chunk of that 58% are "Progressives" who wish he had done more - but would probably support the Democratic cause when push comes to shove - in a voting booth.
The polls are too simplistic and don't reflect the complexity of our political landscape.
I would vote for a younger more charismatic Democrat in the 2024 Presidential primary. But if Joe Biden is the candidate again in the general election, I would walk over broken glass to vote for him. So am I in the 42% or the 58% ???
Thanks Bill- way to break it down. It’s all about who they contact and how they framed the questions.
I’m just very frustrated that the low polling numbers seem to be taken as a given by reporters and writers all over the political spectrum. I just think that number deserves a lot more skepticism, investigation and inspection.
I can’t help but wonder who they call period. Who answers a phone number that you don’t know, NOBODY that I know. All our elders are clear: do not answer a number you don’t know. I don’t want to hear some computer generated voice telling me that they are the IRS and I’m going to jail. People just don’t answer anymore so Im seriously questioning who these polls are calling. (It’s not lost on me that people do answer but really , how many)
Bot to bot, maybe? 😈
Oh there’s a thought.
I guess the media forgot that although Biden's approval rating at the midterm was 41.8, Trump's approval rating at his midterm was only one point higher -- 42.8. Ah, how soon we forget!
“There is no rational explanation for that outcome. There is, of course, an irrational explanation, and Democrats must discover that explanation ASAP”
One is the huge influx of wealthy northerners that have retired to Florida. You could see it in the large flotilla in support of tfg last year, scooting around their gated communities in golf carts.
The so-called Latino vote is really an anti-Castro vote, plain and simple. Cuban-Americans do not nearly resemble (socially or politically) their poorer neighbors.
When I lived in New York City, Cubans were horrified to be confused with Puerto Ricans, whom they considered lower than they were.
Then there was the gerrymandering…
'If you know a young voter, please thank them.' My daughter on the west coast was with her old college friends at the east coast to get out their votes and hold a little election celebration. It is with great joy that we watch these strong young women being independent and engaged. And yes, the greatest heroes are in states like Texas where conditions are so hard. Thanks for everything.
Thank you for acknowledging those of us in Florida who did all we could to oust the mean-spirited thin-skinned guy and Rubio. I have seriously considered moving to a more democracy-friendly place. However, I am here where my efforts and votes can make a real difference. Thanks Robert for your constant can-do-don’t- give-up boost. I am sitting here without power thanks to Hurricane Nicole - ah but I am not powerless! Onward…..
Thank you for your shout-out to those of us in TX, FL, ... Some may just shoo us away (which I'm tempted to do myself) but these are huge states with a large # of people who are fighting the good fight, etc. And though I can't speak for FL, TX is ranked #1 in difficulty registering and voting. Of course this is intentional. I've spent months on the UT Dallas campus this year--no sadder stories than in the last few weeks, when students discovered 1) they have to re-register here if out of state (where is the information gap here?), 2) they can't register online (only one of 6 states that can't), 3) they have to have registered 30 days in advance of the election--yes, 30, and 4) a student ID won't cut it at the polls (other options but you get the drift--more obstacles). Robert, I'm going to look at the young people sources in your post and see where I can plug in.
And last point--like many, I've also invested time and money in races NOT in Texas, particularly battleground states. So it's an interesting juggle--we can't give up on TX and must work hard, but we also are called on as Americans to focus on battleground states with the goal of being one ourselves soon.
Thanks for all you do, Cathy. It made a difference!